Alchemy and Finnegans Wake - Softcover

DiBernard, Barbara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0873954297 ISBN 13: 9780873954297

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1980

Synopsis

In the first full-length study of Joyce’s direct and indirect use of alchemical allusions, DiBernard shows how an awareness of the alchemical metaphor guides a reader through the richness of Finnegans Wake. For example, the alchemical transmutation of lead into gold parallels the transmutation of the dross and commotion of ordinary life into a work of art.

This study shows how the themes of Joyce’s novel―death and rebirth, the conflict between physical and spiritual, incest, colors, forgery, and the reconciliation of opposites―relate to the alchemical process. The author then presents a theory, based on alchemical metaphor, on the much debated subject of Joyce’s view of the artist.

About this title

Review:

This study shows how the themes of Joyce's novel--death and rebirth, the conflict between physical and spiritual, incest, colors, forgery, and the reconciliation of opposites--relate to the alchemical process. The author then presents a theory, based on alchemical metaphor, on the much debated subject of Joyce's view of the artist.

About this edition

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1980
• ISBN 10: 0873954297
• ISBN 13: 9780873954297
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 178